Living In Charleston

10/31/06

Celebrate...the traffic light?

Ah, November, the month of elections and Veterans Day, the groans of Thanksgiving diners and the shrieks of Christmas shoppers the next day. But did you know that November also carries the celebrations of National Dark Chocolate with Almonds Day? Pencil Day? How about the days to celebrate the traffic light and the time clock? Let’s skip those parties.

Tax Free Treat

Those of us that will be shopping the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving will be treated to a one time “sales tax holiday” applying to all purchases. This only applies to the 5% state tax. Any others, like local option taxes, will apply.

Run, Gobble Wobble & Strut

Don’t forget the Turkey Day Run and Gobble Wobble sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. This annual event begins at 9 am and is a great way to make room for that second helping of pumpkin pie. If you’re still looking for a filling meal, there’s the Chitlin’ Strut in Salley, SC on the following Saturday. A road trip is always good for the appetite.

Road Trip!

If you’re looking for other road trip ideas on the Thanksgiving holiday Saturday, there will be an open house at Split Creek Farms near Anderson. This is the dairy goat operation that regularly wins top national honors for its cheese. They are having bluegrass music, folk art from local artists, gifts and hot ciders. Another favorite stop in the S.C. National Heritage Corridor’s farm tours is Emerald Farms near Greenwood. The “Holiday Spectacular” on the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving features goats, llamas, a soap factory, and a spectacular model railroad.

HFoL Fun Run and Walk

The Festival of Lights is up and running November 10 through New Years Day. To kick off the season, there will be a Fun Run and Walk for all ages to get up close to the sparkling sculptures on the 2 mile course on the 9th immediately after the park closes at 6:30.

Fall Festivals and more

A Harvest Festival with an equestrian theme will be held at Mullet Hall on John’s Island on the 4th. If you’d like to learn to make ornaments, Old Santee Canal Park is offering a class on the 11th. If you’d rather shop for ornaments, the Craftsman Christmas Arts and Crafts Festival will be at the North Charleston Convention Center. John’s Island will host the Best Friend Model train Show on the 11th also.

Seeking Sea Star

And don’t forget, if you know a S.C. student 8-11 that seems to like the stage, they have until Dec.1 to apply to be the next official Sea Star. They will represent the SC Aquarium for the next year from a kid’s perspective.

The kids are alright

Do the children you know seem smarter this year? According to the Education State Rankings, South Carolina’s smart rating ranks about midway at 26 out of 50 states. This is up from 2003, when the state ranked 41st in the nation. The ranking is based on 21 elementary and secondary education indicators. Who was Number 1? Vermont hit the bulls eye for the second year. Arizona hit 50th for the second year also.

Welcome!

Well, it’s official. The Art Institute of Charleston will begin classes in the Spring of 2007 in the Carroll Building on East Bay and Market Streets. The school will offer small classes of 16-18 students in culinary arts, graphic design, interior design, interactive media and photographic imaging. The school is private and will offer associates and bachelor degrees. This school along with Trident Tech’s Culinary Institute and College of Charleston’s Dept. of Hospitality and Tourism Management should more than adequately fill the void left by Johnson and Wales.

Only forty favorities?

Beaufort’s Saltus Grill rated a full page in October’s Southern Living. Also the magazine celebrated its 40th anniversary by naming 40 things they love about the Palmetto State. Named were: The Citadel, the City of Charleston, pluff mud, the gardens, the Angel Oak, sweetgrass baskets and many other things that will make you smile and nod in agreement.

Still at the top!

Charleston Place Hotel has been named as one of the best places to stay in North America by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler. November‘s issue placed them as one of the top 100 mainland US hotels for the 13th year.

God, Bless the vines...

This sounds like fun: the Blessing of the Vines at the Irvin-House Vineyard. To ensure a fertile year in 2007, on the 11th the vines will be blessed for the next harvest . There will be wine tasting and a grape stomping (I see Lucy and Ethel here, I can’t help it). The award-winning Black Jack Barbeque team will be in action and the music will flow.

Bon Appetit, Ted

Ted’s Butcherblock on East Bay was noted in June’s Bon Appetit. They paid particular homage to the bacon of the month BLT. Food and Wine in October included Ted’s in their 50 Most Amazing Wine experiences.

Celebrity Chefs

The Celebrity Chef Golf Classic is an new concept Nov 9-12 on Hilton Head Island. It combines a golf tournament with 2 lunch demos one with Gourmet magazine’s chef Sara Moulton and one with Ming Tsai from the Simply Ming TV show. There’s also a Gourmet dinner hosted by Sara Moulton. Breakfast with the Chefs on Sunday sounds pretty good too.

Coastal Crisis Ministry Tournament

The best of Tennis

Tennis Magazine’s October issue places Kiawah on three of its Top 5 lists: #2 in “Best for families”, #4 in the “Best for teaching” and #5 in the “Best for Lodging” category. Charleston was also listed as one of the more desirable locations for retired tennis players.

On the rise...

Business seems to be picking up across the Lowcountry. CARTA officials announced rider ship is up 66% in October over October 2006. Tanger Factory Outlets that just opened here in North Charleston reported a 14% increase in funds in the third quarter.

World Trade magazine rates Charleston

Charleston Ports rank number one in customer satisfaction across North America according to the readers of World Trade magazine. Our productivity in the first quarter topped 41 moves per crane per hour. Because of this ability to move cargo we are attracting new warehousing development. Rockefeller Group is purchasing 400 acres at I 26 near Jedburg for a 500,000 square foot facility, Amstar will build and manage 814,000square feet of Class A distribution space in Berkeley County and Hillwood, a development company headed by Ross Perot is rumored to be eyeing space for a major project. Rockefeller will ultimately build four buildings totaling 2.6 million square feet of development. The new EDO facility has opened here. The 50,000 square foot facility will manufacture battlefield communications systems. And finally, an upscale private aviation service is coming to the Charleston international Airport. The new $5 million complex, Million Air, will include a passenger terminal and a hanger able to fit 10 corporate jets. They will supply meeting space with advanced technology and a refueling facility that offers a variety of other aviation related services. They will offer these services and fuel 24 hours a day. It looks like things are moving here in the Lowcountry.

10/09/06

Nationwide Golf Tour Stops...here

Don’t miss the PalmettoPride Classic, the next to the last stop on the Nationwide Golf Tour, October 16-22. The Junior Clinic will be on Tuesday at 3 pm, the Pro-Am on Wednesday and the first round of the Classic is slated to start at 8 am Thursday and run through Sunday.

Senior Softball

The Lowcountry Senior Softball Season is running through November. The over 50 crowd plays Monday and Wednesday at Cook Field. A new study out says that 60 is the new 45. They estimate 78 million Baby Boomers are reaching 60 about now.

Let Them Eat Cake

For adults only, the 5th Annual Nightmare on Calhoun Street will transform the Gaillard into turn of the century Paris, where the heads rolled and the crowds cheered. $12,000 in cash and prizes. Two costume contests will be held: Early at 11 and Late at 12:30 on Oct 28th. DOn't miss it!.

Nevermore! Nevermore!

There’s so much on tap for Halloween this year it’s hard to keep up. Just keep the goblins safe this holiday. If you want to celebrate the holiday with some spooky theatre Charleston Stage Company will produce Julian Wiles’ “Nevermore”. It explores the mysterious end of Edgar Allen Poe’s life.

Spokeskid Sought

The South Carolina Aquarium is searching for the next official spokeskid, the 2007 Sea Star. SC students 8-11 need to write a 100-250 word essay on why they want the title. Encouraged to be creative and original, the essays are due 12/1.

Family Fun

East Cooper has a family weekend planned. On the 14th is the Daniel Island Park Day. In its sixth year, it will be held in conjunction with the Kids for the Cure benefit. On the 15th, Park West Rec Center will host the 19th Annual Mt. P. Children’s Day Festival. The theme is “Pirates and Mermaids”.

Dance, Dance, Dance

CBT’s School Matinee series will include Cinderella, The Nutcracker and Camelot in different venues around Charleston and North Charleston. If you like more contemporary dance watch for The Parsons Dance Company at the Gaillard on the 21st.

Art for Dance

Art for Dance, to benefit the Charleston Ballet will be on the 12th at Lowndes Grove. Some of Charleston’s favorite artists will collaborate with CBT to provide new work for sale as a fundraiser. There will be a special exhibition with a featured artist’s work in the plantation house.

Let's Do the Time Warp Again!

The Gibbes is hosting a Time Warp Party on the 14th sponsored by Firefly, our local firewater. “Strange foods and drink, costumes optional, glam essential”, entertainment and the contemporary exhibit “Now!” are on tap.

Art by Armstrong

Savannah resident, William Armstrong will be exhibiting his “Coastal Splendor” oils here on the 20th. Armstrong has worked extensively as a major scenic artist in movies. He has collaborated with Scorcese, Spike Lee, Woody Allen and Spielberg. He fell in love with and went coastal after working on “Prince of Tides” and “Legend of Bagger Vance”. Who can blame him?

Artisits Wanted

Artists will be happy to hear that the South Carolina Arts Commission is looking for you. There are grants waiting and they want artists to apply. Pressque LLC is searching for authors seeking publication and the City of North Charleston is looking for artists to apply for inclusion in their exhibition schedule. Also, The Charleston Harbor Society needs quality nautical artifacts, ship models and historical maritime
documents for a new exhibit.

10/06/06

PalmettoPride Classic

Don’t miss the PalmettoPride Classic, the next to the last stop on the Nationwide Golf Tour, October 16-22. The Junior Clinic will be on Tuesday at 3 pm, the Pro-Am on Wednesday and the first round of the Classic is slated to start at 8 am Thursday and run through Sunday.

Softball for Seniors

The Lowcountry Senior Softball Season is running through November. The over 50 crowd plays Monday and Wednesday at Cook Field. A new study out says that 60 is the new 45. They estimate 78 million Baby Boomers are reaching 60 about now.

Halloween for Adults

For adults only this year, we have two Halloween treats. The Edgar Allan Poe “Back from the Grave” tour will provide a multi-sensory tour of the famous poet’s terrifying works on the 7th. And on the 28th, 5th Annual Nightmare on Calhoun Street will transform the Gaillard into turn of the century Paris, where the heads rolled and the crowds cheered. $12,000 in cash and prizes. Two costume contests will be held: Early at 11 and Late at 12:30.

Safe & Spooky

There’s so much on tap for Halloween this year it’s hard to keep up. Just keep the goblins safe this holiday. If you want to celebrate the holiday with some spooky theatre Charleston Stage Company will produce Julian Wiles’ “Nevermore”. It explores the mysterious end of Edgar Allen Poe’s life.

Creative Kids Corner

The Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry has been named a recipient of the Healthy SC Challenge Community Award in the category for outstanding youth focused initiatives.The Aquarium is searching for the next official spokeskid, the 2007 Sea Star. SC students 8-11 need to write a 100-250 word essay on why they want the title. Encouraged to be creative and original, the essays are due 12/1.

19th Annual Mt. P. Children’s Day Festival

East Cooper has a family weekend planned. On the 14th is the Daniel Island Park Day. In its sixth year, it will be held in conjunction with the Kids for the Cure benefit. On the 15th, Park West Rec Center will host the 19th Annual Mt. P. Children’s Day Festival. The theme is “Pirates and Mermaids”.

More MOJA

More Moja...the Invitational Juried Art Exhibit will be on display at 125 Bull Street this month; the 2006 MOJA poster artist, Doyle Cloyd’s work is at the Dock Street and The Negro League City Portraits by Nancy Valley at the Chas. Visitors Center. Winding up on the 7th is the Sweetgrass Basket Competition and Exhibition also at the Dock Street.

For Fun and Music

If you’d rather kick up your heels, the 7th will be your day. Old Santee Canal’s 7th Pickin in the Park will have lots of bluegrass, food and drink for you. The Charleston Symphony will host Rhythm on the River at Reverie on the Ashley. Guests will also enjoy edibles and libations, mood-setting interior designs and rooftop terrace gardens. The Men’s Glee Club from the Naval Academy will entertain at the First Scots Presbyterian Church. You’ll have to wait until the 15th if you’re looking for the blues. The annual benefit for the Lowcountry Blues Relief Fund will be at Bowen’s Island.

Yum! The Taste of Charleston

The waiters will be racing while 50 of the Lowcountry’s best restaurants line up to tempt your palate at the Taste of Charleston held at Boone hall Plantation on the 8th. There will be a bear and wine tasting, a “Culinary Corner” where local chefs will prepare their signature dishes, and a children’s corner where special activities will be held for the youngsters.

Southeastern Wildlife Exposition Fall Soiree

We have lots of food fun coming up this month. The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition Fall Soiree on the 6th will have a Lowcountry feast at the Visitor Center Bus Shed on the 6th and will unveil the SEWE 2007 poster.

Dance, Dance, Dance

CBT’s School Matinee series will include Cinderella, The Nutcracker and Camelot in different venues around Charleston and North Charleston. If you like more contemporary dance watch for The Parsons Dance Company at the Gaillard on the 21st.

Art for Dance benefit scheduled

Art for Dance, to benefit the Charleston Ballet will be on the 12th at Lowndes Grove. Some of Charleston’s favorite artists will collaborate with CBT to provide new work for sale as a fundraiser. There will be a special exhibition with a featured artist’s work in the plantation house.

Let's do the Time Warp again...

The Gibbes is hosting a Time Warp Party on the 14th sponsored by Firefly, our local firewater. “Strange foods and drink, costumes optional, glam essential”, entertainment and the contemporary exhibit “Now!” are on tap.

Speaking of Artists

Savannah resident, William Armstrong will be exhibiting his “Coastal Splendor” oils here on the 20th. Armstrong has worked extensively as a major scenic artist in movies. He has collaborated with Scorcese, Spike Lee, Woody Allen and Spielberg. He fell in love with and went coastal after working on “Prince of Tides” and “Legend of Bagger Vance”. Who can blame him?

Artists Wanted

Artists will be happy to hear that the South Carolina Arts Commission is looking for you. There are grants waiting and they want artists to apply. Pressque LLC is searching for authors seeking publication and the City of North Charleston is looking for artists to apply for inclusion in their exhibition schedule. Also, The Charleston Harbor Society needs quality nautical artifacts, ship models and historical maritime
documents for a new exhibit.

Documentary Fest

Charleston will be home for “ChasDOC” this month. It’s a four day “original exposition of some of the world’s best-produced documentaries.” This year’s theme is the environment. Venues will be Downtown Charleston, Folly Beach and at The Navy Yard at Noisette in North Charleston. 40 films in 4 days, Whew!

Blessing of the Animals

October is a blessed month for pets. You might want to check with your favorite church for their “Blessing of the Animals” service. October is the month that brings pets of all kinds into polite company, horses and ferrets have even been known to drop by. I think the leash law would be appropriate here also.

Outdoor Film Festival

City Paper’s annual outdoor film festival is slated for this month in Marion Square. Each Thursday this month a different full length feature will be shown. The fun starts at 6pm, bring your blankets and the best thing is: ADMISSION IS FREE. There will be food and beer and wine vendors on site, so leave your coolers at home. You can even vote for which movies are shown. And you can bring your pet if it’s leashed.

Living In Charleston

Rachael was raised and born here in Charleston South Carolina. As a native, mother, wife to her devoted husband David, and local real estate agent, Rachael gives you a glimpse into the heart of what is going on here.